Fastener applying tool



Dec. 8,; 1970 FIGQI Filed June, 10, 1968 T. w. MEDLIN ET AL FASTENER APPLYING TOOL 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS THEODORE W. MEDLIN ROBERT D. UTHOFF BY @u gw- ATTORNEY Dec. 8, 1970 T. w. MEDLIN ET 3,545,065

FASTENER APPLYING TOOL Filed me 10, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.9

F! c IO 42 43 62 5 5 46' I: I: Q n I 1 7 w f W Q4 FIG. I I C 42 INVFNTORS @M KM ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,545,065 FASTENER APPLYING TOOL Theodore W. Medlin, New Madrid, M0. (3045 Curtis,

Memphis, Tenn. 38118), and Robert D. Utholf, Fenton, Mo.; said Uthotf assignor to said Medlin Filed June 10, 1968, Ser. No. 735,702 Int. Cl. B23q 7/10; B23p 11/00 U.S. Cl. 29-212 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A tool for applying a fastener comprising cooperative components for retainingly gripping flexible materials therebetween, said tool having a magazine for each of said fastener components, there being means for feeding cooperating components toward each other into engaged condition upon opposite sides of the intervening gripped materials. Said tool being portable and having a portion for effecting disengagement of said fastener components for removal from engaged condition.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to tools for applying fasteners, as of the staple type, for securing aligned material sections. Heretofore, there have been various efforts undertaken to develop means for fastening at least two sections of overlying fabricby means other than pins, but such efforts have consistently been inadequate in view of the fact that a puncturing or tearing, to some degree, of the engaged fabric sections has been caused. For years there has been the desire to discontinue utilizing safety pins for diaper fastening in view of the added hazard factor. However, all such previous efforts have been unsuccessful so that at the present time safety pins are still the recognized fastening expedient for diapers and conventional staples or the like are still utilized with other fabrics and flexible material with the recognition that development of holes therein is accepted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool for containing a supply of each of the two cooperative, interengageable components of the fastener to be applied and with means for effecting interengagement of such components by said tool in gripping relationship to the retained materials.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tool of the character stated which is lightweight and portable; which is of very simple construction so as to be readily usable by the average individual, such as a housewife.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tool of the character stated which incorporates means for readily effecting disengagement of the fastener components so as to bring about removal of said fastener from the theretofore engaged materials in a reliable manner and without damage to the materials.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a tool of the character stater which is of sturdy construction so as to be durable in usage; which may be most economically manufactured; and which permits of widespread application of the fasteners of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a tool constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tool in closed condition.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view.

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FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of said tool as taken from the left hand side of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view as taken from the right hand side fo FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line '66 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 88 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the tool with the fastener removing portion in fully closed condition.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the tool showing same in full open position.

FIG. 12 is an end view of a fastener constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the presentation of the demounting tool to the engaged fastener.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, A generally designates a fastener (FIG. 12) which comprises a pair of cooperating components, namely, a staple, or female member 1, and a plate or insert 2. Said staple 1 comprises a central web 3 continuous at its side edges with flanges 4, 4' which latter are generally V-shape in cross section having inwardly extending aligned indentations, as at 5, 5', so that the distance between the opposed faces of said indented portions 5, 5' is less than the transverse extent of web 3. Plate 2 is a flat rectangular member having a length substantially the same as web 3 of staple 1 but having a width greater than the distance between said indented portions 5, 5' of staple 1, but slightly less than that of web 3. When in operative condition, staple 1 and plate 2 will be presented upon opposite sides of the engaged material, such as, particularly, thin flexible matter, including fabrics and the like; an example of such being that used to fabricate babies diapers. Thus, the fabric so engaged will be tightly held between plate 2 and the confronting inner face of web 3 with plate 2 being maintained against accidental dislodgement by reason of the inward extension of indented portions 5, 5. In disposing plate 2 in operative condition, as by the tool to be described hereinbelow, said plate is presented to the opening between flanges 4, 4' and cammingly forced against the inwardly inclined surfaces of the hand portions of said flanges 4, 4' so as to force same away from each other and thus allow plate 2 to move past the indented portions 5, 5' for reception within the portion between said latter and web 3- (see FIG. 12). Staple 1 and plate 2 may be most economically made of inexpensive sheet stock.

Provided for applying fastener A is a hand tool, indicated B, which comprises a pair of opposed arms 6, 7 which are adapted for movement toward and away from each other in a manner to be described hereinbelow. Each of said arms 6, 7 are of generally like construction being designed to serve, in the manner of a housing, as a reservoir for staples 1 and plates 2, respectively. Arm 6 comprises an outer wall 8, front end wall 9, and parallel side walls 10, 11; said arm 6 being open at its rearward end, as at 12, having an inner wall 13 parallel to outer wall 8 but terminating spacedly from front end wall 9 by a distance which at least equals, but is slightly greater than, the length of staple 1, said opening being designated 14. Lower arm 7 constitutes an outer wall 15, a front end wall 16, parallel side walls 17, 18 which are of slightly less transverse extent than side Walls 10, 11 of arm 6; and arm 7 being open at its rearward end, as at 19, and having an inner wall 20 parallel to outer wall 15 and which inner wall will be in abutting relationship to inner wall 13 of arm 6 when said arms 6, 7 are in closed relationship (see FIG. 9). Inner wall 20 terminates spacedly from front end wall 16 to create an opening 21 having a length slightly greater than that of the individual plates 2 for movement of the latter therethrough for purposes to be described hereinbelow. Thus, the wall constructions of arms 6, 7 create compartments 22, 23, respectively.

Disposed within chamber 22 for slideable movement axially thereof is a follower 24 having a lowered, downwardly opening U-shaped portion 25 comprising a transverse web 26 extending between side walls 10, 11 and having depending side flanges 27, 27'; said web 24 being disposed for abutting on its forward side edge the rearward confronting edge of the web 3 of the immediately adjacent staple 1 of a series of staples presented within said chamber 22 and extending the length thereof so that the forwardmost one of said series will normally abut on its forward edge against the inner face of front end wall 9. Formed integrally with, and extending upwardly of, the upper face of web 26, is a guide plate 28, which projects through an elongated slot 29 provided in outer wall 8 and extending from the rearward end thereof to a point proximate the forward end of said outer wall 8. Thus, the length of slot 29 determines the limits of travel of follower 24 within chamber 22.

Disposed within chamber 22, upwardly of the received staples 1 is a jaw member 30 comprising an arm 31 which carries at its forward end a head 32 which is directed toward opening 14 and being dimensioned for passage therethrough. Arm 31 embodies a slot 33 which extends from its rearward portion to a point immediately proximate head 32 for travel therethrough of guide plate 28. Said slot 33 thus being aligned with slot 29 in adjacent inner wall 8. On either side of slot 33 and suitably spaced therefrom, arm 31. includes a pair of spine-like components 34, the upper edges of which abut against the confronting inner portion of inner wall 8 for stabilizing purposes. Suitably affixed at one of its ends to guide plate 28 is an extension spring 35 which passes within the spacing between spines 34 for training about a pulley 36 mounted on the forward end of arm 31 immediately upwardly of head 32; said spring 35 proceeding rearwardly from pulley 36 for fixation at its other end to an anchor, as at 37, mounted on inner wall 13 at its rearward end. Thus, spring 35 will exert a forward pull upon follower 24 so as to cause same to maintain pressure against the contained series of staples 1 for urging said series forwardly whereby the forwardmost one will be forced against the inner face of front wall 9 and thus normally frictionally held by the said line of staples 1 in alignment with head 32 and opening 14. In order to prevent any untoward upward buckling of the staples 1 while being retained within arm 6 and while progressing toward discharge opening 14, there are provided relatively narrow guide plates g,g extending inwardly from the inner faces of side walls 11, 10, respectively, being in planar parallel relationship and provided for overlying disposition to the confronting portions of web 3 of staples 1 (see FIGS. 7, 8). Thus said plates g, g serve to assure proper movement of staples 1 through arm 6. Projecting from each side face of arm 31 is a pair of spaced apart guide pins 38, 38 which project through slot-like apertures 39, 39', respectively, formed in the adjacent side walls 10, 11 of arm 6 for limiting the movement of said jaw member 30 relative to arm 6. At its rearward end arm 31 embodies laterally outwardly projecting flanges 40, 40' which are provided at the upper ends of extensions 41, 41', respectively, which latter are in planar parallel relationship to spines 34. Said flanges 40, 40' extend through openlugs 42, 42' provided in the upper rearward portion of side walls 10, 11, respectively, of arm 6. In their outer ends said 4 flanges 40, are rigid with the forward ends of rearwardly inclined side arms 43, 43, respectively, which latter, at their lower ends, are integral with a lever 44.

The side walls 17, 18 of arm 7 contain transversely aligned grooves 45, 45, respectively, immediately below inner plate 20 for receiving a series of plates 2 in edge to edge relationship within chamber 23 (FIGS. 7 and 9). The rearwardmost plate 2 of the series located within chamber 23 is in contactive relationship with a follower 46 which is in all respects similar to follower 24 above described. Said' follower 46 incorporates a downwardly extending guide plate 47 projecting through aligned slots 48, 49 in the arm 50 of a cooperating jaw member 51 and outer wall 15 for travel therethrough longitudinally of arm 7. Engaged to the forwardly directed portion of guide plate 47, is one end of an extension spring 52 which is trained about a pulley 53 mounted in the forward end portion of arm 50; said spring being directed rearwardly for connection at its other end to an anchor 54 suitably fixed to the rearward end portion of outer wall 15. By said spring 52 follower 46 is urged toward the forward end wall 16 of arm 7 so as to bias the series of plates 2 forwardly so that the forwardmost plate 2 will be directed against the upper inner portion of front wall 16 and held thereby through friction; said forwardmost plate 2 thus occluding opening 21 and being in alignment with a head 55 fixed on the forward end of arm 50 (FIG. 9). Projecting from each side of arm 50 is a pair of longitudinally spaced apart guide pins 56, 56 which project through slot-like apertures 57, 57' formed in the adjacent side walls 17, 18 of arm 6 so as to limit the relative movement of jaw member 51 within said arm 7.

In its rearward end portion, arm 50 incorporates laterally outwardly projecting flanges 58, 58' for extension through elongated openings 60, 60' formed in the proximate portion of side walls 17, 18 of arm 7 with said flanges 58, 58 being integral in their outer extremities with one end portion of side arms 61, 61' provided at the forward end of a lever 62. Said side arms 61 are located immediately inwardly, but in intersecting relationship with side arms 43, 43, respectively, of lever 44, there being pivot pins 63, 63 for engaging the related side arms 61, 43 and 61, 43 whereby said levers 44, 62 may be directed toward and away from each other between the positions shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. It will thus be seen that said levers 44, 62 are integral with jaw members 30, 51, respectively.

Thus, with levers 44, 62 in open relationship (FIG. 11) the related jaw members 30, 51, respectively, will also be in open or parted relationship so as to effect the development of a relatively enlarged mouth, as at 64, between the forward portions of arms 6, 7. It will be observed that in this condition flanges 40, 40 of arm 31 and flanges 58, 58 of arm 50 will engage their related openings 42, 52' and 60, 60' in the margins thereof immediately proximate outer walls 15 and 8, respectively, and with said guide pins 38, 38 and 56, 56 being located at the outer ends of their related aperture-s (FIG. 11). Upon effecting close relationship of levers 44, 6-2 the initial motion thereof will carry said arms 6, 7 into closed relationship but without appreciable relative movement of jaw members 30, 51 therein so that initial closing will correspond to the condition shown in FIG. 2. Upon the application of continued pressure upon levers 44, 62, and with arms 6, 7 in abutting relationship, jaw members 30, 51 will be caused to move relatively toward each other in overcoming the bias of the related spring 35, 52 so that head 32 will be brought into forceful engagement with web 3 of the aligned staple 1 for driving same through opening 14 and toward arm 7; while head 55 will drivingly contact the aligned plate 2, forcing same through opening 21 and in a direction toward the approaching staple 1. Thus, by the forces effected through movement of heads 32, 55 toward each other the contacted plate 2 will be cammingly driven into engagement within the cooperating staple 1. Thereupon pressure on levers 44, 62 will be released for withdrawal of the now engaged fastener from tool B.

It will thus be seen that in actual use the user will present the material to be fastened within mouth 64 developed by the opening of arm 6, 7 and with the portion to be engaged located in proper relationship to openings 14, 21. Thus, upon closure of tool B the material will be reliably and effectively engaged by fastener A. Thus, tool B may be easily used to join a multiplicity of layers of material to each other as particularly in engaging normally free end portions of a diaper.

By reason of its unique construction, fastener A is stable in usage since plate 2 is held against accidental dislodgement. It is to be noted that there are no sharp edges which might in any way cause injury or damage to the material or to the user thereof. However, it is to be especially noted that staple 1 and plate 2 will be located on opposite sides of the engaged material so that any puncturing or tearing of, or hole development in, the engaged material is obviated.

At its free end lever 62 carries a stem 65 on its side directed toward lever 44 and which stem is substantially axially normal to lever 62. Stem 65 is presented for reception within a socket 66 formed at the outer end of lever 44 in corresponding relationship to stem 65 so that full closure of said levers 44, 62, stems 65 will be received within socket 66, as may best be seen in FIG. 10. Stem 65 is presented for use as a demounting tool whereby the user may disjoin plate 2 from staple 1 when in fastened condition. As may best be seen in FIG. 13, web 3 of staple 1 is provided contrally with an aperture 1' having a diameter slightly greater than that of stem 65. Thus, to effect demounting of the engaged components of fastener A, so as to release engaged materials, fastener A is presented upon socket 66 so that web 3 is directed toward the lower end of stem 65 and with aperture 1' overlying socket 66. The user then moves levers 44, 62 toward each other so that stem 65 projects into aperture 1' and upon conditioned pressure on levers 44, 62, will be caused to effect a pushing force against plate 2 so as to overcome the resilience of flanges 4, 4' away from each other so as to allow said plate 2 to be free and thereby release the engaged materials. Accordingly, the demounting tool will allow effective and easily operated means for disengaging the components of fastener A, without damage thereto so that the same may be reused.

From the foregoing it is apparent that fastener A constitutes a unique construction for effectively engaging sections of flexible materials without danger of damage but yet holding said materials in firm relationship. Tool B is easily operated for effecting interengagement of plate 2 and staple 1 so that the same is easily used by the average housewife. By the use of the demounting tool, the parted plate 2 and staple 1 are presented for reusage with attendant economy.

From the foregoing it is also apparent that tool B can be readily supplied with staples 1 and plates 2 by the mere rearward withdrawal of the related follower 24, 46, as between the adjacent side arms 43, 43' and 61, 61' so as to allow the user to insert staples 1 and plates 2 within the respective chambers 22, 23. Thereupon followers 24, 46 will return to operative position.

It should be understood that changes and modifications in the formation, construction, arrangement and combination of the several parts of the fastener and a tool for applying same may be made and substituted for these herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of our invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is:

1. A tool for applying first and second cooperating fastener elements to material to be engaged thereby comprising first and second arms in opposed relationship, each of said arms having a chamber for respectively receiving a predetermined quantity of first and second fastener elements, each of said first and second arms having opposed openings for travel therethrough of the related fastener element, and means provided within each arm for directing the related fastener element through the respective opening toward each other into interengaged relationship.

2. A tool as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said opposed openings in said first and second arms being located proximate one end thereof, and means for urging said fastener elements toward said opposed openings.

3. A tool as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by the opposed openings in said first and second arms being located proximate one end thereof, and said means for directing the fastener elements comprising first and second jaw members provided in said first and second arms, respectively, each jaw member having a head for engaging the related fastener element, and means for moving said jaw members toward each other.

4. A tool as defined in claim 3 and further characterized by means provided in each of said arms for urging said first and second fastener elements toward the related aligned opening, the head portions of each of said jaw members being located outwardly of the related fastener element and in aligned relationship with the related opening and lever means for urging said jaw members toward each other.

5. A tool as defined in claim 4 and further characterized by flange elements projecting from opposite sides of each of said jaw members in the end portion thereof remote from that carrying the related head, each of said arm members having openings for extension therethrough of said flanges, and a lever connected to the flanges of each of said jaw members, pivot means interengaging said levers so that upon movement of the same toward each other said arms will be moved toward each other.

6. A tool as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said first cooperating fastener being of U-shape character and opening toward the related opening, said second fastener element being a flat member, said second arm having means for supporting said plate members in edge to edge relationship longitudinally of said arm.

7. A tool as defined in claim 6 and further characterized by a stem member carried on the end of one lever remote from its pivot axis, said other lever having a socket for reception of said stern when said levers are moved toward each other.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,722,146 11/1955 Byrem 29212D 3,234,636 2/1966 Brown 292l2 3,371,400 3/1968 Edes 292l2 THOMAS H. EAGER, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 29243 .5 

